In the midst of a campaign for Mayor, former City Commissioner Scherwin Henry joined the Alachua County Democratic Executive Committee last week.

New DEC chair Robert Prather had previously met with Henry and extended an offer to join. At that time, Henry said he had concerns that the DEC had not done enough to support minority candidates in the past. He said he also had reservations about signing a loyalty oath to always support Democratic candidates. Henry, 60, said his more than 40 years as a registered Democrat showed his loyalty.

But Henry said that, after speaking with Prather again last week, he decided to sign the loyalty oath and join the DEC. Henry said his goal is bringing change to the local party and he felt the best way to do it was from the inside.

In an email, Prather said Henry joined last Wednesday.

“We are proud to count both he and Mayor Lowe as members.” Prather wrote. “The DEC is providing support for both the Henry and Lowe campaigns.”

As American Express once said, membership has its privileges.

Lowe’s last campaign finance report showed an in kind contribution valued at $190 from the DEC for use of its bulk mail permit to send out campaign materials.

About This Blog

County Lines and City Limits follows Gainesville and Alachua County politics and government from City Hall to the statehouse.

Morgan Watkins, a University of Florida grad, joined the Sun in August 2012 as its county government reporter. She keeps you updated on what’s happening inside county meetings and outside in local neighborhoods. If you think something might make a good story, let her know at morgan.watkins@gvillesun.com.